Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Well, these have been long coming. To be honest, I think they have been in my project basket for nearly a year! That is emberassing but it is true :) I used the Past Pattern's Men's Winter Trousers pattern for these and I really do think they turned out well. The reason it took me so long to make them was because I did not understand how to make the pockets so I kept putting it off! Thankfully, the last time I sat down to try and figure it out was when it clicked and I finishd them the next day with no stress involved! I think this is the first project I have ever made my dad that was not completed less then 24 hours before the event it was needed for! I think I had nearly two weeks to spare! Let's hope I can keep that pattern going :)

Anyways, the corduroy is from Joann's and I purchased the buttons at Abraham's Lady.

Front.

Pocket

The only thing that I would change the next time I use this pattern is some of the finishing techniques on the inside. I was very surprised that so many of the seams and edges are left raw. I have used the Past Pattern's Summer Trousers pattern a couple of times and the inside is so neat and finished looking! I think I will incorporate the techniques from both patterns to get a better result in this style.

(For future reference, I cut out a size 36 and it was a little big but could be fixed with suspenders. They were too long also but I fixed that when I hemmed them.)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Note: This post is for Ginny! I know you are reading this and you inspired me to try it!

I have to admit that I was being a little eccentric when I started on this experiment :) We were leaving for an event the next day and I needed my petticoats to be starched but I also wanted to try my hand at what the original cast might have done. Per a friend's suggestion I used this recipe that was found over on the Sewing Academy Forum.

"Heavy Starch: In large saucepot, mix 1/2 c. starch (laundry or corn) and 1 cup cold water. Gradually stir in 2 quarts water. Stirring constantly, bring to boil over medium heat and boil 1 minute. (Note: 1 minute of boiling, no more or less produces the best starch solution.) Use warm.

Medium Starch: Dilute Heavy starch solution with 2 quarts water.

Light starch: Dilute Heavy starch solution with 4 quarts water.

For best results:Fabric should be clean, wet, and unfolded before dipping into starch solution.Use starch solution while warm.Iron fabric while damp."

The starch solution was so hot that I had to use gloves and a wooden spoon. Becca and I were giggling about something when she took this picture :)

Wringing the solution out of a petticoat......

The finished product the next morning! The petticoats are so stiff that they rustle and the corded bonnets turned out great! I only starched the brim of course but it was so easy that I think I like it better than my slat bonnet. I am looking forward to seeing how long the petticoats stay stiff and if the starch truly acts like "scotch guard" like it is praised to do :)

I didn't starch anything on those drawers but I finished them that same day and I thought adding them to the line was more pleasing to the eye than just having four things in the picture. :)

I forgot to take pictures of what the starch looks like but it just looks like white-ish water and is very slimy to the touch. It feels not so pleasant but is great after it dries :) Now all I have to do is the rest of my petticoats and about 8 others that my mom and sister have. I think this would be a great educational project to do at an event as it is so hands on and yet practical.

Friday, April 16, 2010

This is my project that I do when I want to relax. Putting together pieces over and over again realy is mindless work compared to making clothing :). I think everyone should try there hand at it! They are also a great way to use up scraps.

The borders are on. I picked the backing and even used wool batting which I am so in love with. I basted it together in a few hours on a quiet day.

The fabric was extra yardage from a dress that I made my mother. I decided to use it because it looked so much like the original from the mid-19th century. I would give you all a link to the original but I found this lovely quilt in a book and I can't show you all a picture because of copyrights.

About Me

Hello and Welcome! Thank you for visiting! This is my online journal where I catalog my sewing projects, findings and inspiration. I hope you enjoy your visit and are inspired in even the smallest way. Blessings!